WWII U.S. Army 2 oz. oil can by M. Hollingshead Corp., Camden NJ. Olive drab military issue firearm lubricating oil tin with screw cap, marked “POISON – Not for food container”

This is a vintage WWII-era U.S. military lubricating oil can, produced by M. Hollingshead Corp. of Camden, New Jersey. The can is a 2 oz. “Oil, Lubricating, Preservative, Special” container, with printed warnings such as “POISON – Not to be used as food container” on the front, and instructions on the back noting it “may be carried in cartridge belts or pockets.” These compact oil cans were issued to soldiers for cleaning and lubricating firearms and small equipment in the field.

The Hollingshead Corp. was a major supplier of petroleum-based products to the U.S. Army during WWII, and these pocket-sized tins are a sought-after relic of military history. The olive-drab paint finish, threaded screw cap, and military contract specifications are all intact and typical of wartime issue.